Day Trips from Las Vegas

1. Hoover Dam (40 min)

Hoover Dam is a massive concrete structure located along the Colorado River, straddling the border between Arizona and Nevada. Built between 1931 and 1936 with the help of thousands of workers, the dam stands as a symbol of American ingenuity. You can take a one-hour tour of the dam and the nearby power plant. Tour tickets can be purchased in-person at the dam. If you are short on time, the Bureau of Reclamation offers a power plant tour that lasts only 30 minutes.

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (20 min)

Known as Nevada's first National Conservation Area, the Red Rock Canyon sits 17 miles south of downtown Las Vegas. More than two million people visit Red Rock Canyon each year for hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. A 13-mile road winds its way through the scenic conservation area, which contains all sorts of desert plant and animal life. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is easily reached from Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159. The area is managed and protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

3205 State Route 159, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89161

3. Valley of Fire State Park (50 min Day Trip from Las Vegas)

Known for being Nevada's oldest and largest state park, the Valley of Fire State Park contains an array of ancient trees and plants. It also boasts a carefully preserved collection of 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. The park is an ideal place for camping, hiking, picnicking and photography.

There is a large onsite visitors center where guests can learn all about the people who once inhabited the Valley of Fire State Park area. The visitors center also contains information about camping, hiking, and park rules. The park is open year-round, but summer temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so visitors should come prepared.

4. Mount Charleston (45 min)

Mount Charleston is a beautiful recreational area located in the Spring Mountains. Situated close to the Kyle and Lee Canyons, Mount Charleston offers abundant opportunities for hiking, picnicking, camping, mountain biking and more. There are also daily educational programs organized by the staff and there are volunteer opportunities for people who want to protect its fragile ecosystem.

In the winter, Mount Charleston receives a nice layer of snow that is perfect for snowball fights and sledding. Snowboarders and skiers will find plenty of action at the nearby Lee Canyon Ski & Snowboard Resort.

2525 Kyle Canyon Road, Phone: 702-872-5486

5. Clark County Heritage Museum (25 min from Las Vegas)

The Clark County Heritage Museum is a 30-acre site that covers the history of Nevada from pre-historic to modern times. The museum contains a handful of restored houses, churches and barns that are reminiscent of the structures found in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and Goldfield.

The museum also contains a special exhibit dedicated to Nevada's mining industry and its iconic ghost towns. At the Anna Robert Parks Exhibit Hall, guests can learn about the lives of the Pueblo and Paiute Indians, the first Anglo pioneers and the robust entertainment industry of Las Vegas. There is also an exhibit that centers on Nevada's extensive railway system.

1830 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada, 89002, Phone: 702-455-7955

6. Los Angeles (4 hours)

Famous for its massive entertainment industry, exciting nightlife, and fabulous beach areas, Los Angeles is visited by people from all over the world. While downtown LA boasts skyscrapers and posh nightclubs, the outlying Beach Cities area has scores of cozy seaside towns.

Beverly Hills, one of the most affluent places in America, is an ideal place for spotting celebrities, as is West Hollywood. Visitors can go just outside the city limits for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and more. For families, Universal Studios and Disneyland are just a short drive away. The Los Angeles area has accommodation, activities, tours, and events to suit any budget.

7. Laughlin (1 hour 30 min Trip from Las Vegas)

Laughlin is a perfect getaway for those who are tired of fast-paced city life. Located just two hours from the picturesque Grand Canyon, Laughlin is a hub for all types of outdoor adventure activities activities. White water rafting, camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing and SCUBA diving are among the many options favored by adrenalin seekers.

Laughlin remains warm all year round, so adventure seekers will always have something to do here. For visitors who just want to relax, Laughlin has an array of upscale resorts, casinos, restaurants, and bars. Located alongside the Colorado River, Laughlin is easily reached from Las Vegas, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

8. Pahrump (1 hour 10 min from Las Vegas)

Pahrump prides itself on being Nevada's base camp for adventure seekers. Just outside the city, there is ample space for hiking, biking, rock climbing and off-road riding. At Lake Spring Mountain, visitors can indulge in all sorts of watersports, such as water jetpacking and paddleboarding.

Front Sight, a world-class firearms training institute, is located just outside Pahrump. For guests who want to relax, Pahrump has a collection of casinos, wineries, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. The city also holds exciting events throughout the year, including carnivals, races, cultural performances, and festivals.

9. Zion National Park (2 hours 35 min)

Hailed as Utah's first national park, Zion National Park is one of the most picturesque places in the western United States. The park sees millions of visitors each year. People come from all over the world to experience Zion's challenging hikes, explore its deep canyons, and learn about the interesting plant and animal life in the region. There are campsites in the park for overnight stays.

At the Zion Nature Center, young visitors can learn all about the fascinating history of the park through hands-on activities, pictures, books and games. Zion National Park also has an active junior ranger program for children and families.

1 Zion Park Boulevard, State Route 9, Springdale, Utah, 84767, Phone: 435-777-3256